The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to Sasebo, Japan Dec. 8 after completing a two-and-a-half month patrol of the Western Pacific. Throughout the patrol, Essex Sailors along with the embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in two
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, embarked on its flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), along with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and USS Momsen (DDG 92), got underway Dec. 7 from Naval Station Everett for the last time for a scheduled routine deployment. The deployment will be to the western Pacific Co
The Aegis guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) departed Naval Base San Diego Nov. 29, for an independent seven-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). The first ship to complete the DDG modernization (DDGMOD) midlife hull, mechanical, and electrical upgrade,
Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departed Naval Station Norfolk Dec. 5 for the first phase of preparations for the ship’s 22nd and final deployment. During the underway, Enterprise will conduct flight deck certification, a requirement every aircraft carrier must achieve p
Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit headed by large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev taking part in the international anti-piracy campaign has formed the sixth convoy of commercial vessels and is escorting it from the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aden. According to the head of PF Information Support Department C
Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) will join other U.S. maritime stakeholders in the second annual Joint U.S Agency-Industry Counter-Piracy Summit in mid-December. Representatives from the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, Defense and Justice will join industry officials in a piracy sim
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev signed a law ratifying the agreement on cooperation in security in the Caspian Sea; the document has been signed by all Caspian states, i.e. Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, reported the Kremlin press service on Dec 3. According to the agreeme
Project 941UM nuclear-powered ballistic submarine (SSBN) Dmitry Donskoy adapted for test launches of Bulava missile will remain in service and take part in trials of new submarines in Severodvinsk, reported RIA Novosti referring to Director General of Sevmash shipyard and Rubin Design Bureau Andrei
Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit headed by large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev on Nov 30 visited the port of Djibouti. It is noteworthy that apart from replenishment of supplies and leisure, Russian mariners attended pre-schedule parliamentary elections. The voting took place on Dec 1 in the messroom of l
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) returned to sea for sea trials after a four-month phased maintenance availability Nov. 29. Kearsarge left BAE Systems, the shipyard contracted to complete repairs and upgrades for two days of sea trials. The intent of sea trials is to test a ship’s systems and crew performance
Having won nine Navy Commander’s prizes, Pacific Fleet (PF) gained the lead of Russian Navy in training year of 2011, said PF Commander’s press secretary Capt 1 rank Roman Martov. “It was said at the session of PF Military Council that seamen, aviators, missilemen, and marines of Pacific Fleet had w
Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 30 for a port visit. The port visit will allow Essex Sailors and embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit the opportunity to enjoy some rest and relaxation and allow them to
Russian defense ministry postponed the last in 2011 test launch of SLBM Bulava from Nov 28 to a later date, reported RIA Novosti referring to a source in the ministry. “Final salvo launch of Bulava will be held later. The exact date has not been determined so far”, said the interviewee. Defense mini
The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) entered the second phase of its scheduled deployment Nov. 27, when the group crossed the international date line and entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). The Makin Island ARG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Islan
